Bullet-proof fabric



I (No Model.) Y C. ZEGLBN.

- BULLET PROOF PABRIQ-a.

No. 577,999.] I Patented Mar. 2, 1897.

- ZM'W'ZiflZ 5% 6402 aks amiglgg m /zzg #0172 6 Vi .UNITED- STATES CASIMIR ZEGLEN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

BULLET-Pecos FABRIC.

srncrrrcnrron forming art bf LettersPatent No. 577,999, dated en 9, 1897..-

Original application filed April 24, 1896, Serial No. 58 8 87&- Divided and this. application filed June 8,189h- Serle1No- 594,658. (No'npeeimensJ 1 y Y To all whom it may concern;

' Be it known that I, CAsIMm \ZEGLEN, of Chicago, in the county of Cook and Stateof Illinois, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Bullet-Proof Fabrics; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear,-and exact description thereof,reference being had to the accompanying drawing,

and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which forms a part of this specification.

This invention relates to bullet proof shields, and more specifically to an improved composite elastic fabrjc adapted to resist pen- .etration of projectiles by cushioning or absorbingthe impact of thesame-r The object ofthe invention isto provide a relatively light and more orless flexible fab.

1310 which may be worn without serious inconvenience, to protect the body of a person, and which may also be used for various other purposes.

This application is a division of an application, Serial No. 588,874, filed by me on th outermost layeroi' the fabric, or that against which the projectile strikes, said outer layer or' covering consisting of; two or more plies or thicknesses of 'a closely-woven, relatively heavy, strong fabric;such, for example, as

p canvas: After experimentation I have ascer- 'tained that the most satisfactory results are obtained by making this outer covering of linen canvasof a quality commonly known as Aberdeen canvas, and while I recommend the same I do not desire to'be limited thereto.

Next inside thecanvas coverA, I provide a layer B of'fine strong animal hairi whic'h is either naturally straight or which mayise combed sci-that the fibers thereof; liesubstam tially parallel with each other and thus-very compactly. 1 {This layer-B islrel'atively a thick" layer, as, shown, and maybecomposed of we rious kinds of hair. I have obtained the best results, however, by the use of thehair or, as itis more commonly called, the wool of the Angora goat, the hair of this animal having the desirable characteristics of strength, straightness, and fineness of staple, and being therefore susceptible of, being formed intoa very compact mass. Next to the layer of hair I provide a plurality of layers of strong flexible cords, threads, or-strands O O, the

cords or strands of each layer being laid side by side or parallel with'each other and directly-in contact with each other. The several: layers 0 C of parallel-arranged strands are superposed one upon'each other in such position that the several strands of one layer will lie in a direction transversely-to or diagonally to the 'directionof the strands of the.

other layer, that is, 'at an angle to each other,

as clearly shown in the drawing. In practice I have found that these woven inner layers are best constructed of, silk cord,which, owing to the fineness of the fiber and its relative great strength, and also, doubtless, to the pe-' culiar characteristics of silk, afiord the most to be limited thereto. .The several layersthus formed are arranged, as shown, very compactly,,and are secured together preferably bythrough-and :through stitching of silk satisfactory results, although I- do not desire thread, asindicated at (to, so that the whole becomes a hard and exceedingly compact mass having peculiar characteristics. 1

The composite fabric thus formed 1 may make into jackets or shields, since it possesses sufficient flexibility for that purpose and is of such weight as to permit it tobe worn without serious discomfort. Preferably, when the 'fabric is made into jackets, shields, or other forms of wearing-apparel, it willybe covered or lined-with an y suitable cloth, in order'that it mayhave a more, presentable appearance,

but as this 'is obviously a non-essential feature I havenotjseen fit to illustrate'it.

The fabric constructed as above to success! gfullyresistjthe.penetration'lof bullets fired sleese ne-Je s 8,1 8.96, Serial no; 594,657.

from revolvers and'lother small-arms is made the subject-of another application for patent,

i les' of the modern rifles, 'sueh as' the Kragthe Springfield and Winchester rifle's,it is necessary to provide a reinforcement to the fabric, which reinforcement also has the effect of sufficiently cushioning the impact: cf '1' v the projectile to" prevent any serious shock t0 the. wearer. N ext inside thel'ayeror layers O O, I place a reinforcement'D-;' ofpas'trial; and'insid'e of the-reinforcement D and extending through the-whole'fabric.

' Iclaim asmy invention-5 As a new article of, manufacture; the' bphj "let-proof fabric; comprising an outer layer'lofi elo'sely-weven strong fabric, a're1ative1fy'thiek layer-bf straight s'ta'pl'e unwcven hair, mph-.1

ralityi of layers of strong "parallel c -rds fer strands. laid ccmpactly together, a reinforce,

ment of past-eboard laid next. said i layers'ef 'c'ord,"and a'n' il'mer cushioxi ingm'f felt gthe' j .whole being suitably-securedtogether, sub- 'stantially as andfor the-purpose specified;-

. 9 my inventi cn Iaffix my; signature, in;preser1ee ofptwowitnesses, thisql ith' day: Of. August; I

. 111- testimony that I claim" the fqr in-g a A, DQ 8967 5 v "'ANDREW L. "HALLg-p. 

